Jd 3520 front drive shaft

[Thisco]

Hi I am new and need help on a leak on my 3520 tractor at the front drive shaft

The front drive shaft collar connects to a splinred shaft coming out of the front differential (?) There seems to be a nut
On this shaft that is loose & leaking.
Can I just try to tighten what seems to be a nut or is there a seal behind there or (?) I tried to post picture but it is not in correct format
Thks for any help

 

[TractorTech]

The nut is on the pinion (drive) shaft for the front differential. It can be tightened, but it has a specific torque to maintain a preload on the pinion bearings. It may stop the leak.

Three questions that I would ask myself if it were mine are:

1. Why did it loosen? I think it is a Nylok nut that shouldn’t loosen.

2. Did it loosen enough and run long enough to damage the bearings?

3. Or, is something already damaged causing the nut to loosen or create looseness to make it appear the nut has loosened.

 

[Thisco]

Thank you for response I agree with you.I have dropped the front axel and got it out in place to try to figure what's
Going on .I think the next move is to
Take the cover off the front differential
(?) Any suggestions would be much
Appreciated

 

[TractorTech]

No suggestions at this point. You are doing the right thing to see what is going on and what damage there may be.
If you have to replace bearing(s) and races, you will need to reshim the pinion shaft.

Get a service manual and do it properly.

 

[Thisco]

No suggestions at this point. You are doing the right thing to see what is going on and what damage there may be.
If you have to replace bearing(s) and races, you will need to reshim the pinion shaft.

Get a service manual and do it properly.

 

[Thisco]

i am having trouble removing front differential cover.I though it would lift off with bolts removed.What might I be doing wrong or need to do ?

 

[TractorTech]

You have to remove the axle shafts as the differe is bolted to the cover.
Unbolt the knuckle housings and pull the axle shafts.

 

[Thisco]

You have to remove the axle shafts as the differe is bolted to the cover.
Unbolt the knuckle housings and pull the axle shafts.

O.k - any tips or heads up to watch out for. This is first time for me - thanks